About
A slightly more compact medlar cultivar producing fruit very good for eating fresh. Cropping season: October to early November. Self-fertile. When fully ripe the flesh turns brown and quite sweet. Attractive, white, cup-shaped flowers appear in late spring, followed by russet-brown fruit. It forms as a small, spreading tree with oblong, leathery, green leaves turning yellow-brown in autumn. It originates from the wild medlars growing in northern Iran and is one of the best flavoured.
About the genus
Mespilus is a small spreading deciduous tree or large shrub with large leaves colouring well in autumn, and white flowers followed by edible fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Trees
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Wait to collect fruit until after frost. See How to grow: medlars for further cultivation details
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by chip budding or grafting on quince rootstock – rootstocks for fruit
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility. May also be susceptible to quince leaf blight, brown rot and powdery mildews